Jawbone Updates UP for the #IOT (Internet of Things) | Wearable Tech Watch

Jawbone Updates UP for the #IOT (Internet of Things)

With a new version of its UP wristband, Jawbone moves further into the lead with #wearabletech that’s designed for the Internet of Things (#IoT).

Jawbone UP24

Jawbone is already ahead of the market on IoT thanks to deep integration with the internet service IFTTT.

Now, quantifiable self events are logged by the Jawbone UP24 via Bluetooth sync, instead of needing to wait until the device is plugged into a smartphone – and this is a pretty big deal.

Why? Because UP24 can trigger real-time pre-programmed “if this, then that” actions across the internet. For example, shifting the UP24 out of sleep mode could switch on a coffee pot, if you like drip coffee, or turn on the lights. (UP24 –> phone sync –> IFTTT –> triggers action)

Today, apart from simple on/off tasks, there aren’t that many choices, but as the Internet of Things starts to gain momentum, so the humble wristband will become an increasingly-important part of the IoT ecosystem.

For example it should be possible to add items to your electronic grocery basket by setting a trigger on a goal for calorie burn, or a daily step total. The official press release reminds me of in-memory databases that allow real-time decision-making for enterprises running ERP systems (trust me) with its headline on a “NEW REAL-TIME EXPERIENCE FOR THE UP® SYSTEM”. This is correct but will take some more explaining before consumers start buying UP24 on the basis of its IoT capabilities.

For early adopters, UP24 is a clear first choice and Jawbone has a significant lead now over Fitbit and the rest of the pack.

Other than that, with the UP24 announcement, Jawbone is playing catch-up in terms of wristband functionality, ahead of the critical Christmas buying frenzy.

As predicted here more than three weeks ago, the UP24 means no more laborious plugging in to a smartphone to sync. That is, provided you’re got an iPhone – because there’s no sign yet of an Android version of the app. Presumably this will appear soon.

With the new contoured surface, Jawbone is sticking to its design philosophies, and the UP24 certainly looks great – but there’s a $20 price premium, which takes it into the same price bracket as the US $149 Nike+ Fuelband SE, which has exactly the same functionality, PLUS a digital display.

So now if you’re selecting a top-end wearabletech wristband, then on the surface it is a straight choice between the two most stylish devices on the market today.

Jawbone’s major advantage here is the tight integration with the IoT, which is one area where Jawbone is the clear leader among wearable wristband vendors.

[…] UP24, which syncs wirelessly with smartphones and notebooks that have Bluetooth LE, was announced back in November last year, and went on sale in North America in time for Christmas. In late March […]

[…] wristband maker Fitbit is catching up on lost ground by introducing sync with the much-hyped Internet of Things (IoT). Fitbit users can now create “channels” on IoT gateway website IFTTT for useful tasks, […]

[…] If you’re new to wearables, then it’s important to note that they are part of the bigger topic of the Internet of Things, or IoT – smart, connected devices that can “talk” to each other without human intervention. If you want to learn more about the IoT, see this post. […]

[…] UP24, which syncs wirelessly with smartphones and notebooks that have Bluetooth LE, was announced back in November last year, and went on sale in North America in time for Christmas. In late March […]

[…] wristband maker Fitbit is catching up on lost ground by introducing sync with the much-hyped Internet of Things (IoT). Fitbit users can now create “channels” on IoT gateway website IFTTT for useful tasks, […]

[…] If you’re new to wearables, then it’s important to note that they are part of the bigger topic of the Internet of Things, or IoT – smart, connected devices that can “talk” to each other without human intervention. If you want to learn more about the IoT, see this post. […]